Damage Caused by Hurricanes

Hurricanes can be very destructive. They are one of the most deadly and damaging events that occur. As they move they bring with them a storm surge of ocean water, high winds, tornadoes, torrential rain and flooding. High winds and waves can destroy buildings, homes and structures. Debris can hit buildings as flood wash away roads and bridges. Florida?s 1992 Hurricane Andrew was a particularly large hurricane where the wind force alone caused trees and electrical poles to topple over. Weak homes and buildings even crumbled. Wind gusts reached up to 177 mph as this 130 foot hurricane blasted its way across southern Florida. Hurricane Andrew caused 23 death and over $26.5 billion dollar damage in the USA. Damage from hurricanes are not just close to the coast, but can extend hundreds of miles inland.